On Thursday, December 21, 2023, Mrs. Lennora Owens Skeeter was ushered from time to eternity at Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital in Norfolk, VA. Born to the late Joe Thomas and Lenno S. Owens on July 25, 1938, Lennora was a native of Nansemond County and was one of six siblings. She married the late Lorenza I. Skeeter and to this union were born four children. A 1955 graduate of East Suffolk High School, Lennora went on to have a fulfilling twenty-six (26) year career at Norfolk Naval Supply Center as a supply clerk and successfully retired in 1998. She was also a school bus driver for Nansemond County Public Schools for seventeen (17) years.
Lennora accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and became a faithful and active member of the Mt. Ararat Christian Church until her health began to decline. She maintained her faith in God and always stated as her condition worsened, “The Lord knows I’m here!” She enthusiastically enjoyed serving on the Women’s Fellowship, Missionary Lodge, and Senior Usher Board. She took great pleasure in belonging to the United Church of Christ Church Women’s Ministry and traveled to their quarterly meetings in Virginia and North Carolina. Traveling was one of her passions as she would often pack her car and off to Richmond she’d go, making sure she’d arrive before the rush hour traffic began. Spending time with, and supporting, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren took precedence over everything else. She always wanted to know when our next family vacation would be. After the premature death of her daughter, Robin, Lennora raised her grandson, Christopher, from childhood to adulthood. She was selfless and epitomized what it meant to be a phenomenal woman. Her family, faith, and friends were quintessential to the tapestry of her identity as the family matriarch — always hosting annual gatherings and holidays.
On June 28, 1963, Lennora was selected by the Independent Voters League to escort The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and members of The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) from Norfolk International Airport to Suffolk for a Freedom Rally to address an estimated 7,500 citizens at Peanut Park and Union Hall on E. Washington St. amidst the swelling tensions of the Civil Rights Movement. She was an ardent supporter of the Black Freedom movement; remained committed to championing causes of justice, equality, and voter education; and served two terms as a Justice of the Peace. Her love for God was evidenced in the community and in the church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Joe Thomas and Lenno Owens; sister, Rev. Margaret Robinson, foster sister, Gloria Perry; brothers, Joe Henry and Wesley Owens. She leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Sharon S. Morris (Earl), Dale S. Batten, (Jerry), and Crystal S. Waller (Wendell); six grandchildren, Terrell L. Morris (Brooke), Jasmine R. Miller (Chris), Christopher D. Skeeter (Xochitl), Jermile B. Hayes (Rashad), Rev. W. Kenny Rice Jr., and Jivari Perry; six great-grandchildren, Kendall, Scarlett, CJ, Summer, and Zachary, and Jesus Julian Torres; two sisters, Kathleen O. Simmons and Marice O. Griffith; foster brother, Earl Eley (Jannine); sons-in-law, W. Kenny Rice, Sr. and Rev. E. Brion Perry (Karen); sisters-in-law, Dora Lockett and Eloise Skeeter; brother-in-law, Aubrey Skeeter; two (2) first cousins, Vivian Jubray and Janet Riddick. She has “fought a good fight, finished her race, and kept the faith. Now there is laid up for her the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to her on that day.”
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Sharyn Ralph Welch says
December 26, 2023 at 11:50 pmCrystal and Family,
Sending my condolences and deepest sympathy … Mrs. Skeeter has a special place in my heart.
Sharyn Ralph Welch
Dr. Keith Boykin says
December 28, 2023 at 7:54 pmSharon, DeeDee, and Crystal,
My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. She was a mother to all of us during our years at JFK Suffolk. May the Peace and Comfort of the Lord be with you all and your family during this time.
Deborah Jackson says
December 28, 2023 at 9:09 pmSending our condolences to the family. Aunt Lennora as we affectionately called her. My mother Doretha and grandmother Rosa love her to no end. Think of all the good memories and she will never be forgotten. She was special to me and my sisters. We loved her dearly. With deepest sympathy.
William Watson & Shannon Gray says
December 29, 2023 at 9:12 amOur thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Praying that the comforter will comfort your hearts.
With love,
William Watson Sr. and Family
Eveann Middleton says
December 29, 2023 at 9:17 amSharon, Dede, and Crystal, grandkids and family, my condolences to all for your loss. Praying that you continue to hold fast to God’s unchanging hand.
Isaiah 41:13 For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. Isaiah 46:4 I will be your God throughout your lifetime – until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you.
Mike/Anita Reid says
December 29, 2023 at 12:29 pmPrayers for comfort being lifted for the family. “Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal.”
Sylvonnia Baker Dickens says
December 29, 2023 at 4:27 pmBlessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Crystal & Family,
Sending hugs and sincere condolences to you all during this difficult time. May God comfort and sustain each of you today and the days ahead. Ms. Skeeter was a sweetheart and will forever be remembered. 🙏🏽♥️
Patrice Hart Weaver says
December 29, 2023 at 4:39 pmMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time. Just hold on to God’s unchanging hand and He will carry you all through.
Love,
Patrice Weaver & Family
Rufus and Angie Turner says
December 29, 2023 at 7:51 pmCrystal Waller and Family,
May hope and peace fill your heart, may the sun shine after the rain. May the memories of your dear mother and loved one, fill your heart and ease your pain. Your loss is shared by many friends who care. It is our prayer that the love of friends and family be a source of comfort to you as you celebrate a life well lived. We hope it helps to know that you are in our thoughts, hearts and in our every prayer.
With love and heartfelt condolences,
Rufus and Angie Turner